§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future of50W the tourist industry in North sea resorts, in the light of reports during the summer of seal deaths and pollution caused by industrial waste, marine incineration, sewage sludge containers and waste substance.
§ Mr. LeeI have seen no evidence that these reports are having any adverse effects on the number of visitors to North sea resorts. Indeed, I understand that many resorts are reporting excellent business during the 1988 main season and anticipate an equally buoyant autumn.
However, I remain concerned about these reports. Hence I welcome the initiatives which the Government are taking, including the research into seal immune systems commissioned by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which will seek to establish whether pollution may have exacerbated the effects of the disease which caused this year's seal deaths.